Alternative Names

Information

The female condom protects against pregnancy. It also protects against infections spread during sexual contact, including HIV. However, it is not thought to work as well as male condoms in protecting against STIs.

The female condom is made of a thin, strong plastic called polyurethane. A newer version, which costs less, is made of a substance called nitrile.

These condoms fit inside the vagina. The condom has a ring on each end.

The ring that is placed inside the vagina fits over the cervix and covers it with the rubber material.

The other ring is open. It rests outside of the vagina and covers the vulva.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?

The female condom is about 75% to 82% effective with normal use. When used correctly all of the time, female condoms are 95% effective.

Female condoms can fail for the same reasons as male condoms, including:

There is a tear in a condom. (This can occur before or during intercourse.)